The plant is native to Japan, and has been consumed by the people of the Hachijojima Island (known as "Longevity Island") for hundreds of years.  The people of the Izu islands are also well-known for their longevity, having some of the longest lifespans on earth. Ashitaba has been part of their diet for hundreds of years.

The name "tomorrow's leaf" stems from the plants ability to regenerate itself quickly. Harvest a leaf today and a new one will appear tomorrow. Ashitaba rejuvenates the human body in the same fashion, earning it the name "tomorrow's leaf"

Historically, Ashitaba's scientific name, "Angelica (Latin for "Angel") Keiskei Koidzme", was given for the “heavenly” properties of proven anti-aging effects on the human body and contribution to long life.

Nutrition and Therapeutic Uses

Ashitaba is credited by doctors and scientists for its extraordinary health benefits.

Dr. Kevin Lance Jones says, “Ashitaba is recommended of all men and women of all ages” and has been used for:

• Improved immunity systems

• Gl tract disorders, Acute gastritis, chronic gastritis.

• Hlorhydria, stomach cancer, duodenal ulcer.

• Descensus ventriculi, gastric atoonia, chronic enteritis.

• Carcinoma and Melanoma.

• Chronic hepatitis, blood cleansing.

• Diabetics and Insulin Diabetic dependent.

• Hyperglycemia, Normalising of sugar levels in the blood.

• Asthma and common colds.

• Cell reproduction, cell revival.

• High blood pressure, Vascular augmentation.

• Anemia.

• Excellent antioxidant properties.

• Chronic fatigue hangover.

• Increased production of sperm.

• Shoulder stiffness.

• Laxative, diuretic, neurosis.

• Hemorrhoids.

• Relieving of menopause and PMS symptoms.

• Maintaining youthfulness of the skin.

Vitamin B12 Energy

The American National Institute of Health credits Vitamin B 12 for the treatment of Heart Disease, Dementia, and Anemia.

Vitamin B12 is recognized for the production of blood cells, increased focus, production of growth hormone, and general promotion of the immune system.  It is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps your nerve cells and red blood cells healthy, and is responsible for the proper function of several crucial body processes.

Ashitaba's Vitamin B 12 abundance is unique, as B12 is usually found in meat proteins, which supports one of its many names: "King of Vegetables."

Chalcones

Ashitaba plants have a yellow sap containing a chemical called  a "Chalcone". 

Chalcones have two types of Polyphenols: Xanthangelol and 4-Hydroxyderricin.

Chalcones form the central core for a variety of important biological compounds

It is these chalcones that are considered as the active ingredients that have given rise to Ashitaba's use as a diuretic, laxative, and aid to metabolism.

Ashitaba as a Fountain of Youth herb

Ashitaba is a an all natural plant loaded with nutrients, including elevated levels of:

Vitamin B 12, chlorophyll, enzymes, proteins, carotene, germanium,

plant fibers, saponins, coumarins, and very potent chalcones.

The plants potent antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties have been known in Orient for thousands of years, and the plant's sticky yellow sap has been used to treat a host of skin conditions.  It has traditionally been used to treat cysts, boils, pustules, and scabs for quick healing.

Donald Buhler and his colleagues at Oregon State University found that even small amounts of chalcone were six times as potent as those antioxidants found in citrus fruit, almost four times as potent as those in soy, and two times more potent than those found in green tea.

Chalcones can also help to reduce skin irritation, exfoliate dead skin cells, calm red patches, and unclog pores.  

Due to Ashitaba's blood purifying and detoxifying properties, cells stay healthy and thus metabolism, immune system, and all other body functions, especially liver and kidneys, can maintain proper balance. As a result, the aging process is defeated on a cellular level and degenerative diseases are prevented.

Simply put, Ashitaba keeps your body working smoothly over time, and maintains youth.

Doctors love Ashitaba

In Japan, Dr. Toru Okuyama at Meiji University, College of Pharmacy tested Ashitaba on mice with tobacco- induced lung cancer and skin melanomas. In this six month study the skin cancer mice were given an external application of the Ashitaba extract. The article stated that the cancer was controled-with this therapy. In the tobacco- induced lung cancer the mice were given the extract of Ashitaba in fluid and food form. Results showed that lung cancer progression stopped with the oral Ashitaba therapy.

Studies by Dr. Kimie Baba of Osaka University show that Ashitaba has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-ulcer, anti-thrombus and strong anti-tumor effects, preventing skin and lung cancer. The Biomedical Group in Takara, Japan recently found that the plant can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor is an added benefit to diabetics and to brain health. 

Dr. Kevin Lance Jones, O.M.D says "Ashitaba has been consumed as a vegetable and medicine for many hundreds of years by inhabitants of Hachijo Island (Longevity Islands). In Japan, Ashitaba is used to treat hypertension. As a diuretic, it has no side effects such as Western medicines frequently have.  Ashitaba is very useful in treating menstrual cramps and pains. It helps to make menopause more comfortable.